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Age of Cigars
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The
theory that aging has a critical impact on a cigar's body and flavor. Initial
aging after their rolling is essential to allow the cigars to dry and stabilize.
Not only will this greatly improve the flavor, but also greatly improve the burn
and draw. Stabilization takes only 6 to 8 weeks, however allowing your cigars to
age even longer will let the flavors of the blend meld and mellow into a more
harmonious smoke. A cigar's complexities and nuances will be greatly enhanced
with long-term aging in a proper environment.
- 1 year - Cigars - should be smoked within a few weeks
of being rolled if you desire that "Chincales" type flavor, otherwise they
should be allowed to rest for a year without exception. All cigars are better a
year later in my opinion.
- 1 - 2 years Cigars - This is a good time to start smoking those Habanos and
Hondurans. This is also the peak period for many Dominicans, and most light
bodied smokes.
- 2 - 5 years Cigars - These are the peak years for most other cigars. Typically
the stronger fuller bodied cigars age better over a longer duration of time.
This is why Havana Bolivars, Partagas, and Ramon Allones are all considered
cigars that age beautifully. The same logic applies to all countries of origin
- 7 - 10 years Cigars - This is about the maximum aging time for me on almost all
cigars. After this point, I find most cigars become too mellow and too pale in
body for me to enjoy.
- 10+ years Cigars - At this point we enter into the realm of "vintage" cigars
in my book. Many of these cigars will be so flat and boring they are worthless
to smoke, while others will take on unique characteristics that will make them
enjoyable smokes. One such trait is a musty smell and a taste that is similar to
snuff. Another rarer long-term aging trait is cigars taking on an odd scent that
is commonly referred to as the "stinky cheese-like smell." This odd reference is
due to their pre-light bouquet being similar in scent to a ripe wheel of Stilton
Cheese. Though it may sound unappealing, these cigars are a delight to smoke and
are highly prized by vintage cigar collectors worldwide. Many pay top dollar to
secure these smokes. Regardless of the flavor characteristics of vintage
vitlolas, very seldom do any of these cigars maintain any quantitative strength
at this level of aging. Also, only the fullest bodied cigars have any chance of
being worthwhile smokes after this many years.
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